Combat System
Combat in Hytale is dynamic and largely depends on the weapon your character wields. There are no rigid character classes; you define your fighting style yourself.
🎮 Weapon-based classes: Each weapon type offers a set of unique abilities and moves, which in practice works similar to weapon-based "classes".
🗡️ Sword (One-handed)
Defensive and versatile style, ideal for combining with shield.
- Basic combo: 3 chained attacks
- Special attack: Quick forward lunge (pushes target)
- Signature move: 360° spinning slash + powerful charge (area damage)
- Defense: Compatible with shield to block frontal attacks
In PvP, sword+shield fighters can control the fight's pace, though if they exhaust their stamina over-blocking, they become vulnerable.
🔨 Mace / Hammer
Slow but very powerful hits, with great knockback.
- Basic attacks: Heavy left-right swings
- Alternative attack: Handle strike (strong push)
- Signature move: Crushing jump slam (massive damage)
- Strategy: Space control, exploit knockback and dangerous terrain
Good mace players seek fights near cliffs or lava, where knockback can be lethal for the enemy.
🗡️ Daggers
Quick strike and flee style, with high mobility.
- Feature: Extra mobility
- Possible abilities: Dash, quick dodges
- Strategy: Move constantly, attack and retreat
🪓 Battle Axes
Generate power buildup with consecutive hits.
- Mechanic: Power-up that increases with consecutive hits
- Strategy: Fully aggressive offense ("all-in")
- Reward: Maximum damage when axe reaches its power-up
🏹 Ranged Weapons
Developers have confirmed they will extend combat depth to ranged weapons.
- Bows: Possible abilities like charged shot, multi-arrow
- Staves/Scepters: Magic projectiles, consume mana
- Wands: Special effects using mana reserve
💪 Stamina System
Combat incorporates a stamina bar (endurance):
| Action | Consumes Stamina |
|---|---|
| Shield blocking | ✅ Yes |
| Dodging | ✅ Yes |
| Strong/charged attacks | ✅ Yes |
| Sprinting | ✅ Yes |
| Basic attacks | Variable |
⚠️ Exhaustion: If we exhaust stamina, the character will be momentarily tired, unable to block or sprint until recovered. Can be fatal in combat!
🤖 Enemy AI
Hytale uses a sophisticated system called "Combat Action Evaluator":
- Situational analysis: Evaluates number of opponents, player behavior, own health
- Tactic change: Can switch weapons based on situation
- Ability usage: Activates special attacks when convenient
- Retreat: Can back off if at disadvantage
- Deliberate mistakes: Sometimes makes errors to not seem perfect
In internal tests, an NPC with sword and shield managed to last quite a while in a duel against a real player, demonstrating capable and challenging AI.
👥 Co-op and PvP
PvE
- Play with friends against the environment
- Face dungeons and bosses as a team
- Combine roles: tank, damage, support
PvP
- Servers: Can enable arenas, duels or competitive minigames
- Strategic variety: Different weapons = different roles
- Skill-based: Based on skill, not who played more hours
⚖️ No Pay-to-Win: There won't be loot drops with paid advantages or level progression giving advantage. Hytale's PvP aims to be fair and skill-based.
📋 Summary
| Weapon | Speed | Defense | Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sword + Shield | Medium | High | Defensive, versatile |
| Mace | Slow | Low | Control, knockback |
| Daggers | Fast | Low | Mobility, hit & run |
| Axe | Medium | Low | Aggressive, buildup |
| Bow | Variable | None | Range, kiting |
| Magic staff | Medium | None | Magic, consumes mana |
